What is PPD in hair dye?

 

 

Just because you don't see a reaction, 

doesn't mean it isn't there!

PPD is a harmful chemical dye that is widely used in not only hair colour, but it is also used in the textile industry, dying furs, cosmetics, dark henna tattooing, ink cartridges for printing, black rubber, oils, greases, gas, and the list goes on. It is resident in 99% of all hair dyes, so if you are thinking that you are going to be safe and have some natural blend, you are probably being fooled, unless it says no PPD or p-Phenylendiamine added.

My reaction soon after using Just for Men hair dye in 2009

The dangerous elements of PPD is a compound dirivitive from aniline, which is actually a white solid. When you add oxidation to this white solid it darkens to whatever degree desired by engineers developing usually polymers and composite materials. As an ingredient in hair dyes the formula of p-Phenylenediamine is C₆H₄(NH₂)₂ . I is actually an organic compound and is treated and reacts to different substances which can create even violet tints and reds. In different applications the basically colourless dye is transformed into the colours present in hair colours. 
 
As 99% of all hair dye contain varying amounts of PPD, this also includes semi permanent hair colour, black henna tattoo dye and almost every brand out there including some safe hair colour for cancer patients. The effects of hair dye in studies containing PPD's which most studies concur, but of course were never conclusive, that it observed associations with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, acute leukemia, and bladder cancer. With information coming from the US EPA and the CDC, it has also been voted the Allergen of the Year back in 2006 by the American Contact Dermatitis Society.

The swelling and skin irritation from Just for Men hair dye in 2009

What does this tell us? I know vanity is a very powerful thing ,and even female friends can hardly contain themselves when they finds grey hairs and start looking at hair dyes that would suit them best. Men not as much. I was single when I dyed my hair, my sister even bought it for me, and well the rest is history. I got very sick from it, contracted toxic shock as well as MRSA a horrible staph infection and super bug that I am still dealing with. We find it important to present ourselves in a youthful light to others, but is dying your hair with known killer chemicals important enough to risk that look? Adverse reactions to PPD in hair dye has known to kill people so just because you may not outwardly have a reaction, doesn't mean that it isn't doing something that may become evident later.

Even the world health organization has made comments that hair dresses and barbers are at a very high risk of cancer due to the application of hair dye. So not only are those who have their hair dyed at risk. 
 
As a young teen, elders and seers always told me to eat and consume natural things. They told me that my mind, body and spirit we very sensitive to unnatural things. I found this out directly when I had my hair dyed but signs were evident before and especially after as the body becomes hyper aware when a known substance had created problems in the past. I purchased made in China black socks and when I wore them my feet became considerably swollen as a result. Also a new t shirt created hives on my body, and a new black leather belt brought out a rash around my waist.

PPD is in many items, and it is really up to us as vigilant people to monitor ourselves and our family's. It is our responsibility to better inform our children as there are so many products that have PPD's. Here in Canada the Government has banned cosmetics that touch the skin containing PPD's, but even hair dye will under all circumstances enter into the follicles of the hair and into the scalp. 

It doesn't matter how careful you are, it finds a way. I know many hair dressers will use a plastic barrier, pulling out the strands to be dyed, but to fully and completely cover the hair, remove grey or the former tint on the hair, all the hair must be colourized. When you wash your hair you are also enveloping all your breathing skin with chemicals, if you are using the shower method to wash treated hair after an application of hair dye.
 
I don't know what to say, other than, women, be careful, and men, you look better with the wisdom of your grey. I find it sad that women have so much more pressure from the mainstream and social consciousness to look younger. It is a huge price to pay when you endanger your life and health to look glamorous or younger.

Sources and added information links:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P-Phenylenediamine

http://www.dermnetnz.org/dermatitis/paraphenylenediamine-allergy.html

http://www.actionagainstallergy.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=178:the-facts-about-ppd-and-hair-colorants&catid=3:newsflash&Itemid=525

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2051098/Does-YOUR-hair-dye-contain-chemical-feared-killed-woman.html

http://www.tattooinfo.net/scripts/prodview.asp?idproduct=34

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2051098/Does-YOUR-hair-dye-contain-chemical-feared-killed-woman.html